Should I See A Doctor Today After A Car Accident In Missouri?

Sansone & Lauber | November 12, 2025 | Car Accidents

Yes — if you were in a car accident in Missouri, you should see a doctor today, even if you feel okay, because hidden injuries are common and same-day medical records protect your St. Louis/Missouri injury claim. Call 314-863-0500 for free help now.

Why “today” matters (health + claim)

A crash dumps adrenaline into your body. That can hide pain for hours or days. Concussions, whiplash, internal bleeding, and disc injuries often start as “soreness” and get worse later.

Seeing a doctor the same day helps you heal sooner and creates a timestamped record that links your injuries to the crash — the proof insurance companies, judges, and juries expect in Missouri.

Do this now: Get checked today. Then call 314-863-0500 for a free case review. No fees unless we win.

Quick 10-step checklist for the next 24 hours

Get medical care today. ER for red flags (below). Otherwise urgent care or your primary doctor today.
Say the words “car accident.” Tell the provider how it happened (rear-end on I-64, T-bone at a light, airbags deployed, etc.).
List every symptom. Even “small” ones: headache, stiffness, dizziness, ringing, fogginess, numbness, anxiety, sleep trouble.
Follow the plan. Imaging, meds, physical therapy, and follow-ups.
No gaps in care. Missed visits hurt recovery and your claim.
Save everything. Discharge papers, receipts, referrals, work notes.
Start a pain journal. 0–10 pain scores, daily limits (can’t lift, can’t drive far, missed work).
Don’t talk to the other insurer. Not even a “quick” recorded statement.
Keep posts off social media. Insurers will check.
Call Sansone & Lauber (FREE): 314-863-0500. We coordinate care and protect your claim from Day 1.

Red-flag symptoms — go to the ER now

Severe headache, confusion, fainting, slurred speech
Neck pain with numbness/weakness in arms or legs
Chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood
Belly pain, swelling, or a seat-belt bruise across the abdomen
Worsening back pain, new bowel or bladder problems
Repeated vomiting, vision changes, seizure
Any symptoms in children, pregnant people, or older adults after a crash

If any apply, call 911 or go to the ER now. Then call 314-863-0500.

Common “hidden” injuries after Missouri car crashes

Concussion / Mild TBI: Headache, brain fog, light/noise sensitivity, mood or sleep changes. CT can be normal; diagnosis often needs history + exam.
Whiplash / Soft-tissue injuries: Neck and shoulder pain, reduced motion, stiffness that worsens 24–72 hours later. Early PT helps avoid chronic pain.
Spinal disc injuries: Radiating arm/leg pain, tingling, weakness. MRI may be needed.
Internal injuries: Dizziness, pale skin, stomach or side pain, seat-belt marks. Internal bleeding can be silent.
Fractures / Joint tears: Small fractures and meniscus/rotator-cuff tears need imaging and specialist follow-up.
Anxiety/PTSD: Panic while driving, nightmares, avoidance. These are real injuries — tell your doctor.

Action: Get checked today and document symptoms. Call 314-863-0500 to line up the right specialists.

ER vs urgent care vs primary care — where should I go?

ER: Any red flag above, high-speed crash, rollover, airbag to head/torso, pregnancy, older adult, child.
Urgent Care: No red flags but pain, stiffness, headache, dizziness, or new symptoms.
Primary-Care Doctor: If you can be seen today. If not, start with urgent care for documentation and a referral.

Tip: If a doctor orders imaging, do it. Insurers often argue “no imaging = no injury.”
Need help getting seen today? Call 314-863-0500 — we’ll help set it up.

“I feel okay — do I still need a doctor today?”

Yes. Missouri insurers often discount or deny claims with no same-day/next-day exam. A quick urgent-care visit creates proof the crash caused your symptoms. If tomorrow is worse (very common), your record already ties those symptoms to today’s collision.

Answer: See a doctor today. Then call 314-863-0500 for free guidance.

How same-day treatment boosts your Missouri claim

Proves causation: Records show injuries started after the crash — not from “something else.”
Shows damages: Notes, imaging, and referrals quantify pain, treatment, and time off work.
Builds credibility: Consistent care defeats “you weren’t hurt” defenses.
Raises value: Strong documentation = stronger settlement offers and better trial outcomes.

Missouri insurance basics (plain English)

Fault rules: Missouri is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash (their insurer) pays.
Comparative fault: You can still recover money even if you’re partly at fault; your share is reduced by your percentage.
MedPay (Medical Payments coverage): Many Missouri drivers carry $1,000–$10,000+ that pays your medical bills regardless of fault. Using MedPay doesn’t “blame” you or automatically raise premiums.
Health insurance: Use it. Your plan may pay first; later, the at-fault insurer reimburses (through subrogation/negotiation).
No upfront legal fees: With Sansone & Lauber, you pay nothing unless we win.

Questions about MedPay or coverage? Call 314-863-0500 and we’ll walk you through it.

No insurance or no doctor? We’ll help you get care today.

We work with Missouri providers who accept letters of protection (they get paid from the settlement). You get treatment now with no upfront cost.

Call 24/7: 314-863-0500.

Exactly what to tell your doctor (so the record helps you)

Mechanism: “Rear-ended at ~30 mph on I-64,” “T-boned at Grand & Lindell,” “Seatbelt on, airbags deployed.”
All symptoms: Headache, neck/back pain, dizziness, ringing ears, vision issues, numbness/tingling, nausea, anxiety, sleep trouble.
Limits: Can’t lift kids, can’t sit/stand long, missed shifts, can’t drive far.
Prior issues: Be honest. Doctors can separate new injuries from old ones.
Work/school needs: Ask for written restrictions or accommodations.

First 72 hours: simple recovery + documentation plan

Today (Day 0): Medical exam; follow instructions; start a pain/symptom log (4–6-hour entries).
Days 1–2: Begin meds/PT; book specialist or imaging if referred.
Day 3: Re-check if pain or neuro symptoms worsen.
Week 1: Follow up with PCP or specialist; keep every appointment; save receipts and mileage.
Week 2+: Continue PT; report radiating pain, numbness, headaches, or sleep problems.

Need a plan tailored to you? Call 314-863-0500 (free).

Mistakes that cost people real money

Skipping today’s exam because you “feel fine.”
Missing follow-ups or PT sessions (gaps in care).
Posting “I’m okay!” or strenuous activities on social media.
Giving recorded statements to the other insurer.
Taking a fast lowball settlement before diagnosis is complete.

Protect yourself — call 314-863-0500 before speaking to any adjuster.

How Sansone & Lauber helps (step-by-step)

Free, same-day case review by phone/video/in person.
Care coordination so you’re seen today and routed to the right specialists.
Evidence preservation: Photos, 911 calls, body-cam, dash-cam, store video, scene measurements, event-data recorders.
Insurance handling: We report claims, stop the calls, and guard you from adjuster tactics.
Valuation: Medical bills, lost wages, future care, pain/suffering, vehicle and property damages.
Negotiation/Litigation: Aggressive settlement strategy; jury-ready preparation when needed.
No fee unless we win.

Call now: 314-863-0500. We serve St. Louis and clients across Missouri.

FAQs

Do I need to see a doctor the same day after a Missouri car accident?

Yes. Same-day care protects your health and proves the crash caused your injuries — critical for Missouri settlements and trials. Call 314-863-0500 for help now.

What if I felt fine but pain started the next day?

This is common. Adrenaline delays pain 24–72 hours. Get examined today and explain when symptoms began. Follow the plan and keep all records. Questions? 314-863-0500.

Which doctor should I see?

ER for red flags; otherwise urgent care or your PCP today. You may be referred to orthopedics, neurology, a concussion clinic, or PT.

Will using MedPay or health insurance hurt my claim?

No. MedPay pays regardless of fault; health insurance often pays first; the at-fault insurer reimburses later. We handle the paperwork. 314-863-0500.

How long do I have to file in Missouri?

Generally five years for personal injury (and typically three for wrongful death). Do not wait; evidence goes stale. Call 314-863-0500 to protect your rights.

Can I get treatment if I don’t have insurance?

Yes. We can connect you with providers who treat on a lien/letter of protection so you pay from the settlement. Call 314-863-0500.

Final word

Answer: Yes — see a doctor today after any Missouri car accident, even if you feel fine. Same-day care protects your health and proves your claim.

For fast help with doctors, insurers, and next steps, call the car accident lawyers at Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win.